I love this bakery -- it's my favorite in the CU area, and that's saying something. The bread, cookies, bars, dessert loaves, etc. are all incredibly good and good every time: moist, flavorful, fresh, well seasoned, and wholesome. The bread is substantial with a well developed crumb -- not airy or light -- and that's the kind I like.
The occasional specialty breads are to die for. I once took a loaf of the monkey bread to work, and it was mobbed. People from the office made a beeline to Great Harvest to buy more to take home. Some of the savory items are just as good -- the pepperoni rolls in white and the heavenly veggie rolls in wheat (although they aren't available as often). They now offer sandwiches to go, but I haven't yet tried one.
But it's the day in, day out everyday loaves that make Great Harvest such a great bakery. Their whole wheat breads are especially superior -- chewy and richly flavored. Their white breads and challah are good, too. If the bread is seeded or includes something like nuts or berries, you can be sure there are plenty worked through or across the dough, too. And they will slice just about anything, unless it's a very odd shape.
I've even tried their carb control bread. I won't say it is a good diet choice, because you won't be able to stop eating it. It's denser and less tasty than the regular items, but much better than the other low carb breads you'll find, even in specialty stores. Great Harvest also offers a brochure about making diet choices, for those with diabetic or other dietary restrictions.
When you enter the bakery, you'll be offered a slice of bread, buttered and with jam if you want, as a sample. You'll also find some nice gourmet foodstuffs and kitchen items that go with the bakery theme.
Great Harvest Bread Company is one of our local treasures. Nothing at Great Harvest tastes like it comes from a franchised bakery, and in fact, owners of each shop are allowed (and often do) alter recipes and offer their own to suit local tastes and use local ingredients.
I can't recommend this bakery enough!